After much organization and anticipation, SVWC is elated to announce that we are now an official “Certified Monarch Butterfly Waystation.” The purpose of creating a Monarch Waystation is to provide milkweed, nectar plants, and shelter for Monarch butterflies throughout their annual cycle of production and migration. A Monarch caterpillar eats only milkweed. A Monarch butterfly lays eggs only on milkweed plants, so if there is no milkweed, there are no Monarchs. Sadly, milkweeds and nectar sources have declined because of extensive development, and the use of herbicides.

About a year ago, a long-time resident literally and figuratively planted the seed on the SVWC campus. She suggested that residents plant milkweed, for Monarch butterflies, in resident garden plots and cottage areas. The “Operation Butterfly Garden” project was enthusiastically embraced, and dozens of residents volunteered their time to meet the requirements for SVWC to become a “Certified Monarch Butterfly Waystation.” This year, that same resident donated her own garden plot for the sole purpose of providing nectar plants for Monarchs and other butterflies. A large bulletin board is easily accessible where residents can add pushpins on a map for every butterfly sighting, then record the date, time, and exact location.

Butterflies, moths, and insects “puddle” in search of moisture, salt, and other nutrients. To help attract butterflies, tiny “mud puddles” were designed, created, and baked in our Art Studio’s kiln. They are set out in various gardens throughout the campus for our winged friends.

Some residents thoroughly enjoy photographing various butterflies and bees. In the “Operation Butterfly” corner there is an I-pad with a rotating display of gorgeous photographs that have been shot on our campus. Additionally, many talks by both resident and outside experts have helped volunteers learn so much about the needs of all butterflies and pollinators.

This is the most significant group project that Westminster-Canterbury residents have ever undertaken, and we could not be more thrilled for our community to take this step in conserving and protecting Monarch habitats.” For further information, please contact Kitty Zuckerman, SVWC’s Marketing Communications Specialist at 540-665-5915.